Research Specialist

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

USD 20-25 / hour
Posted on Jan 7, 2026

Research Specialist

Posting Information

Posting Information
Department Psychiatry - Research - 412250
Career Area Research Professionals
Posting Open Date 01/06/2026
Application Deadline 01/09/2026
Position Type Temporary Staff (SHRA)
Position Title Research Specialist
Position Number 20074269
Vacancy ID S026673
Full-time/Part-time Part-Time Temporary
Hours per week 26
Work Schedule
To be determined by supervisor and selected candidate.
Position Location North Carolina, US
Hiring Range $20.00 - $25.00 per hour (Depending on Experience and Qualifications)
Proposed Start Date 01/26/2026
Estimated Duration of Appointment 6 months not to exceed 11 months
Position Information
Be a Tar Heel!
A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation’s top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.
One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.
University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks that include numerous retail and restaurant discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates for performing arts events.
Primary Purpose of Organizational Unit
Our mission is to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians and others whom we serve. We accomplish this by providing leadership and excellence in the interrelated areas of patient care, education and research.

Patient care: We promote health and provide superb clinical care while maintaining our strong tradition of reaching underserved populations and reducing health disparities across North Carolina and beyond.

Education: We prepare tomorrow`s healthcare professionals and biomedical researchers from all backgrounds by facilitating learning within innovative and integrated curricula and team-oriented interprofessional education to ensure a highly skilled workforce.

Research: We develop and support a rich array of outstanding health sciences research programs, centers and resources. We provide infrastructure and opportunities for collaboration among disciplines throughout and beyond our university to support outstanding research. We foster programs in the areas of basic, translational, mechanistic and population research.
Position Summary
The Research Specialist will serve as the Study Coordinator and support the UNC Department of Psychiatry’s ACCESS Mental Health programming and will focus on a community-based research study focused on improving mental health literacy and access among a rural Black community in North Carolina. The Research Specialist will play a key role in supporting the coordination of the study, conducting data management and analysis, and contributing to scholarly product development, including manuscript writing. In addition, the Research Specialist will also provide administrative and program support to ACCESS Mental Health projects including the Psychiatry Careers Pathway Program, the Common Ground Series, and ACCESS Mental Health Grant Program.

Key Responsibilities

Data Management & Analysis:
  • Organize, clean, and manage study data.
  • Conduct basic statistical and qualitative analyses and prepare summary reports.

Scholarly Product Development:
  • Prepare materials for manuscripts, presentations, and other scholarly outputs.
  • Conduct literature reviews and synthesize findings.
  • Draft sections of manuscripts and provide feedback on drafts.

Community Engagement:
  • Support activities that build and maintain relationships with community stakeholders and research participants.
  • Assist with outreach and communication efforts to foster trust and collaboration.

Study and Program Coordination:
  • Administer surveys and ensure accurate data collection.
  • Draft communications for the team, community partners, and participants.
  • Help schedule meetings, take meeting notes, and maintain project timelines.
  • Assist with recruitment, marketing, and administrative support for ACCESS Mental Health programming.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in a discipline related to the area of assignment; or equivalent combination of training and experience. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.
Required Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
  • Ability to conduct basic qualitative and quantitative data analysis.
  • Strong writing and communication skills, including experience with writing for scholarly products such as manuscripts.
  • Ability to engage effectively with community stakeholders, research participants, and study team.
  • Detail-oriented, organized, and able to manage multiple tasks.
Preferred Qualifications, Competencies, and Experience
  • Proficiency in qualitative and quantitative data analysis methods (e.g., SPSS) and data management.
  • Experience with community-based participatory research (CBPR) or working with rural and/or faith-based communities.
  • Experience in mental health, public health, or related fields.
  • Prior experience contributing to peer-reviewed publications.
Special Physical/Mental Requirements
Campus Security Authority Responsibilities
Not Applicable.
Special Instructions
Quick Link https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/311518
Temporary Employment Policies
Posting Contact Information
Office of Human Resources Contact Information
If you experience any problems accessing the system or have questions about the application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at (919) 843-2300 or send an email to employment@unc.edu

Please note: The Office of Human Resources will not be able to provide specific updates regarding position or application status.
Equal Opportunity Employer Statement
The University is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all to apply without regard to age, color, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

Optional and Required Documents

Required Documents
  1. Curriculum Vitae / Resume
  2. Cover Letter
Optional Documents
  1. List of References

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

  1. * Please select the response below that best describes your experience/education for the Research Specialist position.
    • Bachelor's, Master's or Doctoral degree in a discipline related to the area of assignment.
    • Associate's degree in a discipline related to the area of assignment and 2 years related experience.
    • Combination of related post-high school education and experience to equal at least 4 years of experience in a closely related field. (ex: 1 year towards a related degree and 3 years of related experience).
    • High School diploma/GED and at least 4 years of related experience
    • Did not complete high school but have a combination of high school education and experience to equal at least 8 years (ex. 3 years of high school and 5 years of experience).
    • None of the above
  2. * Do you have the ability to perform basic qualitative and quantitative data analysis?
    • Yes
    • No
  3. * Do you have strong written and verbal communications skills?
    • Yes
    • No
  4. * Do you have strong interpersonal skills and attention to detail?
    • Yes
    • No